Helichrysum

(immortelle, amaranth, sempreviva, dwarf strawflower)

Ηelichrysum Italicum Microphylum

Nature gave helichrysum the gift of eternal youth, so it retains it's beauty and vitality long after it has been cut.realityrity, the tiny flowers wither, it's the thin yellow leaves that surround them that are kept.

Nymph Galatea, Nereu's and Dori's daughter, fell in love with a shepherd called Aki. but cyclops Polyphemus was also in love with the Nereid, so, he killed Aki out of jealousy throwing on him a large rock.

Poseidon, transformed him into a river, the river Acis in Sicily, on the banks of which lamented Galatea. Of her tears, the amaranth sprouted and like the love of the two young lovers, is immortal. Acis and Galatea became a famous opera by Handel.

When Paris was traveling with Helen from Sparta to Troy, they stopped in Kythira to sacrifice in Venus, trying to win her favor. Helen, envied Aphrodite who lived on the island and asked Paris to tell her that she was the most beautiful. Paris, diplomatic, told Helen pointing at helichrysum: "You see this flower? You have the same golden hair, the same thin body and the same velvet skin as it's petals. Your beauty will last forever. "

In some way, the legend of Helen's beauty still lasts...

Theophrastus named it "chrysanthemon" and "eliochryson" and suggested it as a mood lifter.

Themistagoras from Ephesus attaches the name to the nymph Helichrysi who first planted it and gave it the gift of eternal youth.

Ancient Greeks adorned their temples with wreaths of amaranth, and this habit still survives in Amorgos, Crete, and Kythera. By the end of spring, bouquets of helichrysum begin decorating houses and shops.

The plant is mentioned by Theocritus, Dioscorides and Pliny for whom is the most matching decoration for the statues of the gods, and mixed with wine, it is therapeutic for bites and burns.

Also called "stathouri" in Amorgos, "kalomoithia" in Santorini, "anthonoida" in Crete, "amaranth" in Peloponnese, "immortal" and "sempreviva" in Kythera. We have about ten kinds of heiichrysum in Greece, and in Amorgos, except helichrysum italicum and helichrysum stoechas, there is also in very inaccessible areas an extremely rare local species, helichrysum amorginum with whitish flowers, which is protected as an endangered species and is strictly prohibited by law to collect and sale.

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• It has extraordinary inflammatory and tranquilizing properties due to the presence of 40% esters anticonvulsant and sedative effect and regenerating cellular function due to diketones which are found only in helichrysum italicum.

The rejuvenating effect of amaranth on cells do valuable ally in of combating skin aging. It also helps in cases of eczema, acne, skin irritations, burns, and scars. Can dissolve old hematomas and helps in cases of phlebitis.

• It has a high content of nerol and loud, flowery smell like honey. It contains hydrocarbons, flavonoids, kaempferol, quercetin, sesquiterpenes, luteolin, ethyl ester neroli.

• Helichrysum has excellent healing properties, it helps to restore the health of the skin and delay the aging thanks to a strong restoring effect on skin cells.

• Helichrysum was used traditionally to treat infections, asthma, arthritis and headache, and for intestinal worms. Homeopaths, prepare a tincture of the fresh plant and the grant for disorders of the gallbladder and lumbago.

• Recommended for headaches and migraines, muscle aches, neuralgia, and irritable bowel. As potent anticonvulsant capacity accompanied with anti-catarrh activity, the oil can also benefit chronic coughs and asthma.

• It produces one of the most precious and expensive essential oils, highly respected in aromatherapists, with 40-50% esters content 30% sesquiterpenes and over 10% diketones. Considered the arnica of aromatherapy.

• Among the chemical components of helichrysum, contains a group of compounds similar to ketones, the vetadiones. This contributes to anticoagulant activity, making it applicable to serious contusion treatments evolve in hematomas. In combination with the anti-inflammatory effect on the veins of this property makes backing thrombophlebitis in cases where the inflammation and degeneration of the veins leading to clots.

• Herbalists use helichrysum to regulate the flow of Qi energy, to enhance the flow of bile, to absorb heat and to reduce inflammation.

• It is considered by aromatherapists, one of the best essential oils. Those responsible for energy aromatherapy and theory of chakras is amongst the top positions.

• Helichrysum relaxes and supports the region of the solar plexus, easing the tension resulting from yin overexertion and stress for too much control, smooth depressive emotions due to frustration.